Just popped in

Hi all

It's fisheress! I have visited the forum off and on, but haven't really had much to add to anyone's posts. Still enjoying life here...............although have let myself down a bit by browsing next online, scribbling down reference numbers and ringing mum to go shopping for me! What joy when familiar clothes arrived on my door step!

Anyway, back to being a solo mum again for 3 months while hubby is away doing his police training. To be quite honest, I'm finding it a bit harder this time than when he was still in the UK as he has a place in my NZ life now, but didn't before!

Only 8 and a half weeks of term left until the big hols.........and my mum and dad are due for a visit...............hopefully looking for a property to buy when their time comes!!!!

Hubby's dad came out in Sept for 2 weeks and loved it..........is already planning his return trip!

Just read my post through and I sound really homesick!!!!!! Perhaps I am and haven't realised it!! It does happen from time to time, but doesn't last for very long.

Off to gee myself up a bit.............take care everyone!!!

Fisheress

Hi Fisheress,

Great to hear from you again and to know all is well at your end, despite hubby being away again. Hope his time away will go quickly for you.

Never fear about not having anything to say on here, you are most welcome to add your thoughts and information on the Life in NZ category which seems to be more popular these days than the other categories as most people now appear to be in NZ than immigrating there.

All the best to you and your family.

Hi Fisheress,

Nice to hear from you again! Glad to read that you are still enjoying life here.

Your post doesn't make you sound too homesick ... just missing hubby. It's a pity you, me and my neighbour do not all live in Auckland. She's just waved goodbye to her husband for six months as he takes a job in Australia and it is a case of lots of support, cups of tea and anything else to help fill that gap and cheer her up.

I was going to make a joke about your addiction to Next. However, many of us hang onto something of the 'old country' - my kids could not cope without their 'fix' of Haribo, Weetabix and Walkers Crisps. I miss Marmite Crisps and Marks & Spencers. We spent a bit in British food shops, but have now weaned ourselves off. Hate to say this but it may well be you will soon be a regular in Farmers and The Warehouse's clothes sections. :biggrin:

Thanks MB and Glenda!!! :icon_biggrin:

It's nice to be back on the forum!!! I see you have another trip planned MB! When will it be for good do you think??? Glenda........you seem to be doing great....how's that house build going???

When I'm not busy browsing the Next directory, I'm busy working or sorting out my eldest who has turned into a continuous drama recently.........on reflection if anyone asks about bringing the kids, I'd actually suggest leaving them at home :rolleyes:

Only joking! But my calm Kiwi lifestyle hasn't actually kicked in 100% yet. I reckon I'm on my third Kiwi life so far...........the fourth to start when hubby comes back and we are both working! I don't anticipate having a fifth!!!!!

Fisheress

Hi Fisheress,

I have a feeling your husband may enjoy his temporary new life at RNZPC.

Apart from the circuit training ...

Does he know where he will be posted?

He's been posted on the motorway in Auckland.............it was that or the CIB but he's just done a fair old stint of that in the UK and you don't get paid overtime here. Seeing as we came here to spend more time together, it wasn't on the agenda. How long he'll last being stuck in a motorway car though remains to be seen.

He has reported that in general the training is good. There are only 18 brits on this intake so it's not rowdy like the last one! His only gripe is that one instructor does insist on teaching them to suck eggs!!! The circuit training is one of his faves as he is a fitness freak already!!!

Anyway, new beginnings and all..........I'm sure he'll survive. This weekend is a rare visit home, so I'm looking forward to that!!!
Are you in the police by any chance????

Fisheress

Yes - but as a non sworn member providing systems support.

Not being paid overtime does take some getting used to but you claim it back as TOIL - time off in lieu. In turn this means more time together as you can build up your hours and take a day off without affecting holiday entitlement. Flexi-time also works for us as I left work an hour early last Friday and spent time with my wife and 2 young children on the beach at Plimmerton 3 minutes drive from work.

As we are renting nearby I can pop home for lunch and take my daughter to kindy which we both love.

This is why we came to NZ - work to live etc and getting to the coast is just a short drive.

I'm told by the locals that most cops from the UK want to get into CIB ASAP. How true this is I couldn't say.

As for the circuits I'm yet to participate but spend a hour in the gym three times a week (sometimes) with a view of getting fit enough to take the challenge ;]

I see you have another trip planned MB! When will it be for good do you think???

Hi Fisheress ,

Taffy won't be able to sponsor us for nearly another 2 years, when he'll have had his PR for 3 years. ?Keen as we are to get down there, I guess this situation suits us as hubster needs to be working somewhere like out here in the Middle East, so we can save a bit of money for our retirement. ?He could probably have got a job and PR in NZ as his skills are on the Wanted List, but his age is now against him applying and, of course, the salary would be pretty dire compared to what he can earn here. ?Our main worry, apart from passing the medicals when the time comes, is that a new government might get in or this current one might decide that parents are persona non grata in NZ and slam the door on us before we can even apply. ?They're a funny lot, you know. ?

How are things coming along with your parents' application?

I hope you're right about the government MB. It would really scupper your plans if anything changed. Your hubby is right to get more money for a comfortable retirement. We are certainly only well off because of our savings (thanks to hubbys UK overtime!!!)

Mum and dad have passed their medicals and all their paperwork is at NZ house. They just need to wait their turn now. 4-6 months at the least I think. Any way they are reckoning on a year which will give dad time to actually retire and to sell the house etc. When they visit in Dec they will be looking at areas to live. Not going down too well with my sister at home as you can imagine!!!

Hatter.......I know the CIB are desperate over here to fill vacancies.......and I know a few on hubbys course have asked to go there..........but it's not for us. The motorway job is more or less 9-5 and as I work full time any way, we might as well both work the same hours.

Fisheress